“I received this invitation and of course accepted to attend. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!” said Milette, who is also the mother of two teens and a military wife. “I really want to analyze the thoughts and the psychology behind politicians’ debates and speeches, to find out how they inspire the population to follow their ideas and become involved, how they promote patriotism and so on.”

A native of Sorel, Quebec and a French-only speaker, Milette first embarked in English-for-Academic-Purposes (EAP) classes in September 2010. After a three-month EAP course, she officially launched her post-secondary education — primarily in English — with a major in psychology and a double minor philosophy and French. With a GPA of 4.03 — that she achieved while her husband was away in Afghanistan for 14 months during her studies — she is on track to finish a three-year degree in two years.

“I’ve seen and have experienced a lot of life. This gives me a perspective and a great advantage that 20-something university students may not have,” she said. “My experience allows me to see beneath the superficial and allows me to focus on how people think and the long-term results of decisions. I have a good nose to know how things will turn out, more so than someone who simply listens to a speech and does not investigate it further. I’m not limited to the emotion of the speech, I like to dig behind the words and seek out their long-term motivation.”

One of her professors, Dr. Steven Robinson has witnessed Milette’s seriousness and determination, two qualities that have enabled her to shine in her studies.

“Of all of my students, Lyne was the one making the most connections between the course material and her own life and times,” he said. “I have also had opportunities to speak with her outside of class and learned that she is a very engaged and principled student who is committed to bettering her circumstances through higher education. I have high hopes for Lyne in her future educational and professional achievements. She is an excellent candidate to attend the Presidential Inaugural Conference in Washington, D.C., and I know she will make the most of this wonderful opportunity and will make Brandon University proud.”

Of this student’s achievements, Brandon University’s President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Deborah Poff said: “This is exactly why I wanted Brandon University to become members of Golden Key. This is just the kind of student that we need to encourage and I am so pleased that she will be able to attend this historical event. ”

Milette will be in D.C. from January 19 to 23, 2013, during which time she will take part in presentations and Q&A sessions with the Honorable John Ellis (Jeb) Bush and the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. as well as various debate sessions. She will have the opportunity to witness the Inaugural Parade as well as enjoy a private tour of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History and take part in the Gala Inaugural Celebration. Upon her return from this event, Milette plans to give a lecture at BU. Details will be shared as soon as they become available.

“One of my goals in doing this is to encourage my fellow students, whether they’ve immigrated to Canada and they’re having a hard time with English or they’re finding their overall studies difficult. I know what it’s like,” said Milette, who added that the help she has received from her professors has enabled her to succeed. “The greater the effort you apply to your studies, the greater the benefits at the end of the line. Effort produces beautiful outcomes and great opportunities. Maintain your courage. You never know what’s around the corner.”
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“I want to start researching and publishing and getting (papers) out there, as soon as I can,” said Bentley. “And I think I’m ahead of the game because of what BU has given me, including the personal attention you get.”

However, university studies were not always topmost on Bentley’s mind.
When he graduated from Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School in 2006, he was not quite ready to embark on more studies. Instead, at the tender age of 18, he got some life experience by teaching in a remote area in China. After two years overseas, he returned to Brandon and embarked on a journey not only of knowledge, but also of self-discovery.

He chose Brandon University for many reasons, notwithstanding the fact that he could be close to his family and friends. His experiences in China inspired him to become a teacher in earnest and he had heard that the education program at BU was very good. So, he initially planned to pursue an education degree, after a three-year degree in English.

“I first saw (my undergrad years) as this in-and-out kind of experience before going into education, then I would really start my life,” he said. “But no. It was at BU, that the very amazing, knowledgeable, personal, helpful faculty in the history department opened my eyes in a lot ways — to new ideas, new ways of thinking about the world, possibilities, and about my own education and the education I give to others.”

History became his new focus and through his studies, he has come to define this area of study very differently. Like many, he thought history was lists of dates, facts and events in the distant past.

“History to me now is something that is dynamic and very much happening now. It’s a way of understanding critically so much of the world, systems, governments and societies,” Bentley said. “It just complements my education goals so well. I don’t want to be a public school teacher (any more). I want to pursue some of these ideas and I don’t want them to be limited to my experience. I want to expand on these and look at them more critically in education.”

For two and a half years, while studying at BU, Bentley taught adult English-as-an-Additional-Language (EAL) classes at Westman Immigrant Services (WIS). His students appreciated his fun-loving, personable nature as well as his innate teaching skills.

“Chris is a born performer/teacher sort of person. He was very comfortable with the adult learners, very kind and was always willing to learn. Through this, he discovered that he’s interested in adult education and that’s what he wants to pursue,” said Doreen Cooper, the language program coordinator at WIS. “We’re going to miss him next year!”

These years at WIS also contributed to the fine-tuning of his focus for his upcoming graduate studies and his ultimate goal of developing appropriate curricula for adult learners.

“Teaching adults has so much potential for creating a very different kind of social consciousness that you can’t get from kids,” Bentley said.

One of his history professors, Dr. James Naylor witnessed Bentley’s growth, his engagement and his development during his studies at BU.

“When he first showed up in class, he was mature and did what we want students to do: To take control of his education, to be open to everything, and out of that, pick what he was felt would be socially useful and apply himself to it,” said Naylor. “I watched him come to terms with what he wanted to do, and intellectually, very much carving out his own niche. Also, it’s been intriguing and invigorating reading his work.”

This fall, Chris will continue his studies with several scholarships in hand, entering a master of education program at York University. He will be concentrating on language, culture and teaching, with long range plans to pursue a doctorate. Afterward, he hopes to develop curriculum for adult learners and perhaps return to the classroom.
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Honorary Doctorate Recipients

• Annette Thorimbert Osted: A dedicated psychiatric nurse, Mrs. Osted also held the position of Executive Director/Registrar of the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba (CRPNM) for more than 30 years. Throughout her career, she also devoted time to volunteer, gravitating to organizations that help those afflicted by a mental illness.

• Anton Kuerti: An Officer of the Order of Canada, Mr. Kuerti is acclaimed for his performances of Beethoven’s music and has appeared with many of the world’s top orchestras. With more than 25 discs to his credit, he is also avid chamber musician has collaborated with other remarkable instrumentalists, the likes of Yo-Yo Ma and the Tokyo String Quartet.

Distinguished Teacher Award Recipients

• Dolores Hardy: Born in Rossburn, Manitoba and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, Ms. Hardy is a Brandon University alumna. She spent her first year teaching in Alexander, followed by 21 years at King George School in Brandon.

• Brigit Lavallee: Raised in Winnipeg, MB, Brigit graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1994. She taught for 10 years in Roblin, MB and is now teaching History and English in Rossburn Collegiate.

• Sherryl Maglione: Born and raised in Alberta, Miss Maglione is currently working on her MEd at Brandon University, with a focus on indigenizing the high school English Language Arts curriculum. She has been teaching for 15 years, and in the past five, her focus as been senior English Language Arts at the Sioux Valley High School.

Board of Governors Community Service Award Recipient

• Patrick Johanneson: Patrick, who was born and raised in Ste. Rose du Lac, writes science fiction and fantasy, and has been published in On Spec, Tesseracts 14 and Daily Science Fiction. In 1997, he started taking judo lessons. In 2009, he received his shodan (or first degree black belt) and he currently runs the Brandon Judokan club, which practices in the Brandon University gym. Patrick also volunteers at the Evans Theatre.

Brandon University Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award

• Rochelle Rands: Rochelle, who grew up in MacGregor, graduated with a B.Ed. from Brandon University in 1998. She first taught in Portage la Prairie at Yellowquill School. During this time, she completed a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Education and a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Education from the University of Manitoba. In 2008, she completed the Masters Program in Special Education at Brandon University and became the Assistant Superintendent/Student Services Coordinator for the Pine Creek School Division. In 2009, she transitioned back to Portage la Prairie, where she is in her third year as the Administrator of Student Services.

Brandon University Alumni Association’s Excellence in Teaching Award

• Dr Wendy McCallum: Dr. McCallum holds a Bachelor of Music degree and a Bachelor of Education degree from Brandon University and completed a Master of Music at the University of North Dakota. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas. As a faculty member at Brandon University, she conducts the Symphonic Band and teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting courses, as well as instrumental music methods. She is well respected for her knowledge and conducting skills and has been invited to conduct numerous junior high and high school, among other honours.

Valedictorians

• Jennifer Shead: Born and raised in Winnipeg, Jennifer moved to Brandon to pursue her studies in Music Education after high school. During her time at Brandon University, she performed as a member of the National Youth Band of Canada (NYB) in 2010, worked as a Student Ambassador for Recruitment & Retention, and served as President of the Brandon University Student Music Educators Association (BUSMEA). A multi-scholarship winner, she has been accepted into the flute masterclass program at the Orford Arts Centre in Orford, Quebec for the summer of 2012. She hopes to teach instrumental music in the public school system in Manitoba in the fall.

• Kelsey Grindey: With a lifelong desire to teach, Kelsey left her small rural hometown just outside of Winnipeg and enrolled at Brandon University. During summer breaks, she moved back home to work with Aboriginal youth in Winnipeg’s inner city. She is very proud to be First Nations and is looking forward to starting her career as a Senior Years teacher.

• Natasha Vandamme Born and raised near Baldur, Natasha began her studies at Brandon University in 2008 and is now graduating with a Bachelor of Science (4-Year), with a major in Chemistry and a double minor in Mathematics and Zoology. While at BU, she served several terms as a lab assistant in the Chemistry department as well as was an Academic Residence Advisor. In her third year, she received the Chemical Institute of Canada Silver Medal and she is currently working on an NSERC grant with Dr. Lemaire.

All four ceremonies — at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on both June 1 and 2 — can viewed via live streaming at:

http://www.brandonu.ca/convocation/video
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“I remember studying John’s recordings and compositions when I was a student at Eastman a long time ago,” said Gatien. “He’s not as well known as he should be, having chosen to settle in Wisconsin, but he is a truly remarkable musician. Hearing him play is going directly to the source. Getting to hear him live, getting to play his compositions here in Brandon is a remarkable opportunity.”

A student of the late, world-famous jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, Harmon co-founded Matrix, a jazz nonet. With that group, he contributed to five recordings and countless live performances. Since the early 1980s, the pianist has also been focused on music education. He has been the Director of Jazz Studies at his alma mater, Lawrence University. For almost two decades, he was the music director of the Fox Jazzfest.

Nicknamed ‘Wisconsin’s Gentle Poet of Jazz’, Harmon’s work underlines his concern for the environment and his interest in Native American culture. He has received many awards for his musical achievements. These include an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts (Lawrence University); fellowships from the Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts and Letters and Culver Military Academy (IN); Distinguished Service Awards from both the International Association of Jazz Educators and Wisconsin State Music Association; the Jazziz Award, and many others.

Harmon will join the Brandon University musicians on Wednesday, May 30, at 8 p.m., in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. Admission to this performance is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
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Both plays — All or Nothing by former BU counsellor Bruce Sarbit and Aleta Dey: A Rehearsal by Lakevold himself — are set in the early decades of the 1900s and based on the lives of individuals who struggled for peace, equality, and justice.

All or Nothing dramatizes the last days of Spanish writer and philosopher Miguel de Unamuno, who was arrested by the fascist Franco regime in 1936.

”All the elements of great drama surfaced in Unamuno’s life — crisis and passion, and the search for meaning in the face of life and death. The dramatic examination of Unamuno’s life leads us to examine our own lives,” said Sarbit.

All or Nothing, which features acclaimed Winnipeg actor Harry Nelken, was a Winnipeg Fringe Festival hit in 2011. It was nominated for the Harry S. Rintoul Award for Best Manitoba Play at the Fringe and received five-star reviews in the Winnipeg Free Press and Uptown.

“Harry Nelken is God,” said the Uptown reviewer. “His ability to crawl inside the character is uncanny.”

Aleta Dey: A Rehearsal presents the poignant story of a fiercely independent young woman who was raised on a farm south of Brandon. In 1910, she moved to Winnipeg to take part in the struggle for women’s rights and for an end to war. The play is based on the 1919 novel Aleta Dey by Francis Marion Beynon, a member of the Political Equality League that led the suffrage movement in Manitoba and succeeded in gaining the vote for women.

Lakevold’s play opens in the Hartney area, where Beynon grew up. It offers a portrait of the joy and hardship of life on a prairie farm in the early 1900s. The second act shifts to Winnipeg, where Aleta becomes a journalist and falls in love just as Canada enters the war. One of Winnipeg’s finest young actors, Tracy Penner, who recently appeared in Theatre Project Manitoba’s hit play about Mennonite life, The Moonlight Sonata of Beethoven Blatz by Armin Wiebe, will perform the role of Aleta. The director will be Daria Puttaert, who appeared this March in Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s production of The Fighting Days by Wendy Lill.

“The story goes to the heart of life in this part of the country and reminds us of who we are. It shows us that the people of Manitoba may be modest yet stubborn and determined,” said Lakevold. “This is the place where the fight for equality and human rights took root and where it continues to this day.”

The Winnipeg shows will take place in the Rudolf Rocker Cultural Centre. In Brandon, All or Nothing will be held on June 6 and 7, while Aleta Dey will be presented on June 8 and 9, in the Evans Theatre. Tickets are $12 for one show or $20 for both. To reserve tickets for pick-up at the door, please call 204-727-7413 or send an email message to lakevold@brandonu.ca. Advance tickets are also available at Campus Books, in the Knowles-Douglas building at Brandon University.
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“I am very pleased that we have negotiated an agreement that will facilitate Mount Royal University music students who wish to continue with Music degree opportunities at Brandon University. When universities partner for the benefit of students, both institutions benefit,” said Dr. Deborah Poff, Brandon University’s President and Vice-Chancellor.

“The School of Music is greatly honored to have forged this alliance with Mount Royal University’s Music Diploma Program,” said Dr. Michael Kim, the Dean of the School of Music at Brandon University. “This collaborative venture will be of great and mutual benefit to both our music programs, and we look forward to welcoming the very talented young musicians from this program in the near future.”

This new agreement between Brandon University’s School of Music and Mount Royal University’s Faculty of Communications Studies was preceded by similar transfer agreements between the Calgary-based University and other Albertan universities. This arrangement will be advantageous for Brandon University, Mount Royal University and the students involved.

“With the signing of this articulation agreement, Mount Royal University will be able to provide its Music Diploma students with a remarkable opportunity to complete a four-year degree at Brandon University in a most prestigious Music School,” said Mount Royal University’s President Docherty.
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“The National Youth Band of Canada allows youths aged 16 to 21 to join together for a week of rehearsals and performances that include excellent leadership, challenging repertoire, and meaningful rehearsal,” said Dr. Wendy McCallum, a faculty member in the BU School of Music and the current President of the Canadian Band Association (CBA). “This experience provides opportunities for individuals to extend musical skills, while developing relationships with musicians from across the nation. The National Youth Band is a significant program in the Canadian Band Association’s mandate to represent and support bands and band music across Canada.”

The BU students who auditioned and were chosen for the NYB are second-year alto saxophonist Lauren Dobko, second-year baritone saxophonist Madeline Lowe, first-year tuba player Tyler Lischynski and fourth-year percussionist Melissa Ballard. As well, this year’s Music Director Dr. Colleen Richardson, who is the University of Western Ontario’s Coordinator of Bands, the Wind Ensemble Director and an Assistant Professor, graduated from the BU School of Music in 1987.

In recent past NYB ensembles, there have been numerous BU students involved, including Corah and Suzu Enns, Jennifer Shead, Kena Olson, Julia Howe, Mikaela Oldenkamp, Wendy Stenger, Taryn Jackson, Joelle Nielsen, Sean Pullen, Derek Thorsteinsson as well as soon-to-be-graduates Holly Bryan, Ryan Premack and Chelsey Hiebert. Meanwhile BU School of Music alumnus and current Master of Music (Performance and Literature) candidate, clarinetist Chris Byman spent the 2007 to 2010 sessions with the NYB. He was able to travel to Prince Edward Island, Southern Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, thanks to this ensemble.

“NYB is a fantastic experience for young musicians in Canada. As the CBA holds the program in different cities around the country each year, it gives re-participating musicians (like me) a chance to not only travel the country, but interact with talented peers and world-class conductors,” said Byman. “The fact that Brandon is hosting a portion of NYB this year is exciting as it shows our city is making yet another national footprint in the arts community.”

The National Youth Band will give two concerts — at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. — Thursday, May 10, in the Western Centennial Auditorium. There are still some tickets left for both performances and will be available at the door.
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Through multiple rounds of live presentations-based competitions, SIFE teams showcase how their community outreach projects are shaping the economic, social and environmental landscape of Canada. Business leaders serve as the panel of judges who will evaluate each team’s projects and determine which team was most successful at improving the quality of life and standard of living for those in their community and name that team the SIFE National Champion.

The National Champion will then move on to represent Canada at the prestigious SIFE World Cup, held in Washington, DC in October. The SIFE Brandon team has been working very hard on their presentation over the past few months and thanks in advance the community for their support.

SIFE is an International non-profit organization that brings together the leaders of today and tomorrow to create a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business. Founded in 1975, SIFE has active programs on more than 1,500 college and university campuses in 39 countries. Through projects that improve the lives of people worldwide, the university students, academic professionals and industry leaders who participate in SIFE are demonstrating that individuals with a knowledge and passion for business can be a powerful force for change. For more information, contact SIFE Canada at 1-416-304-1566 or visit acecanada.ca
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For more information, please contact:

Candace Claeys
President-SIFE Brandon
claeys.candace@gmail.com
204-573-2331

Tyler Lane
Vice President of Marketing
tyler@tlanelabs.com
204-724-2651

Brittany Oliver
Vice President of Human Resources
brittanykoliver@hotmail.com
204-573-0786

These garden beds will serve as an urban farm to provide families with the opportunity to grow and sell their own fresh produce and to help generate extra income. Working with Samaritan House, SIFE Brandon has identified 60 families who could benefit most from these gardens. Samaritan House also intends to use 10 of these garden beds to grow fresh produce for the Food Bank.

Anyone wishing to volunteer at this event is asked to please contact one of the SIFE members listed below. The SIFE Brandon team thanks the community in advance for its help and support in making this possible.

SIFE is an International non-profit organization that brings together the leaders of today and tomorrow to create a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business. Founded in 1975, SIFE has active programs on more than 1,500 college and university campuses in 39 countries. Through projects that improve the lives of people worldwide, the university students, academic professionals and industry leaders who participate in SIFE are demonstrating that individuals with a knowledge and passion for business can be a powerful force for change. For more information, contact SIFE Canada at 1-416-304-1566 or visit acecanada.ca
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For more information, please contact:

Candace Claeys
President-SIFE Brandon
claeys.candace@gmail.com
204-573-2331

Tyler Lane
Vice President of Marketing
tyler@tlanelabs.com
204-724-2651